Understanding Arthritis in Fingers and How It Can Affect You

Arthritis in fingers begins from pain and swelling that leads to deformity. It can seriously affect the way a person lives due to the fact that it easily get in the way to some of the simplest day-to-day activities. The pain it causes can be unbearable and the stiffness can lead to loss of movement.

People suffering from arthritis in the fingers often find difficulty in gripping because of reduced strength in their fingers. They are unable to grip objects tightly even the simplest of opening a jar or turning a key is no longer a simple task. With this, the wrist joint is can also be affected and obstruct with the movement of the arms.

Symptoms

Symptoms of this condition can develop noticeably. These can include stiffness, swelling, bending of the fingers, inflammation, persistent pain, and joint ache.

Stiffness of the fingers is usually the first symptom associated with this condition. It goes along with pain and swelling. In bending of the fingers, it turns out to be a complex task while inflammation causes joints to not work properly. This leads to the restriction of the movement of the fingers. With all of these, a person with arthritis in fingers may experience unrelenting pain.

Treatment

Anti-inflammatory medications are the most generally used treatment for arthritis in fingers. It aims to offer temporary relief from swelling and inflammation that causes unbearable pain. However, overuse or prolonged usage can cause gastrointestinal problems such as ulcers.

Non-medicinal options can be done to treat the condition. One of these methods is the use of heat and cold. This method aims to relieve tension and stiffness, and a fast way to bring down swelling.

Hand therapy can also be an option for treating this condition. However, this should be done under the supervision of a professional. They use different movements to improve movements and strengthen the muscles.

There are also herbal remedies available to deal with arthritis in fingers such as turmeric and ginger extract. These two are anti-inflammatory agents that reduce swelling and pain while permitting patients to move their fingers freely.

Arthritis in fingers seldom develops rapidly. It usually takes time to build up and make drastic changes in one's life. However, this condition shouldn't hinder your day-to-day activities, or take away your ability to function properly. Consult a doctor the first time you notice some symptoms affecting the movement of your hands and fingers so that immediate medical care can be provided. With the number of treatment and remedies available nowadays, it is easier to combat this condition accompanied by proper care of your hands and fingers.